Overview
Convict Lake is one of the most photographed locations in the Eastern Sierra, and the 2.8-mile loop trail that circles it is one of the easiest ways to experience Inyo National Forest's alpine scenery. It's a reliable recommendation in the best hikes near Los Angeles guide as an accessible Eastern Sierra destination that requires no permits and rewards any skill level. The lake sits at 7,850 feet in a glacial cirque, backed by the dramatic walls of Laurel Mountain (11,812 feet) and Mount Morrison (12,268 feet). The peaks rise nearly 4,500 feet directly above the water, creating a sense of vertical scale that's hard to find on a flat, family-friendly trail.
This is an easy hike by any standard. The total elevation gain is roughly 200 feet, the trail is well-maintained, and most people complete the loop in 1 to 1.5 hours. It's suitable for young children, older adults, and anyone who wants big mountain views without a big mountain effort. The lake is also a popular fishing destination, stocked with rainbow trout and home to brown and brook trout.
The name comes from a violent 1871 incident when a group of escaped convicts from a Nevada prison were pursued into this canyon by a posse. A shootout on the lakeshore killed several people on both sides. The name stuck.
The Route
The trail starts from the main Convict Lake parking area, which you reach via Convict Lake Road off US-395, about 4 miles south of the Mammoth Lakes junction. There's a large paved parking lot, vault toilets, and an information kiosk.
Clockwise from the parking area (recommended):
Miles 0 to 0.7: North shore. The trail follows the north side of the lake on a wide, well-graded path. This section is almost completely flat and offers continuous views across the water to the mountain walls on the south side. In early morning, the peaks reflect perfectly in the still water. Anglers line this shore, especially near the inlet.
Miles 0.7 to 1.4: West end and inlet. The trail reaches the western end of the lake where Convict Creek flows in from the upper canyon. A footbridge crosses the creek. This is the most scenic section: the creek tumbles over rocks, aspens line the banks, and the canyon narrows with steep granite on both sides. In late September and early October, the aspens here explode in gold and orange, drawing photographers from across California.
Miles 1.4 to 2.2: South shore. The south side of the loop is slightly rougher and gains most of the trail's modest elevation. The path climbs through rocky terrain above the lakeshore, passing through sage and mountain mahogany with scattered Jeffrey pines. Views open up across the lake to the parking area and down the canyon toward the Owens Valley. This section gets more sun than the north shore, so it's warmer on summer afternoons.
Miles 2.2 to 2.8: Back to the parking area. The trail descends gradually back to the trailhead, passing near the Convict Lake Resort and the campground access road before returning to the parking lot.
When to Visit
May through October covers the full season, but each month has its own character.
May and June: The lake is full from snowmelt, and the surrounding peaks are still snow-covered. Wildflowers appear in the meadows near the inlet. Mornings can be cold (30s), but afternoons are pleasant. Fewer crowds than summer.
July and August: Peak season. Warm days (70s to low 80s at lake level), cool nights. The lake is busy with anglers and families. Campground is full most nights. The trail itself doesn't feel crowded because hikers spread out around the loop.
September and early October: This is when Convict Lake is at its absolute best. The aspen groves along the inlet and western end turn brilliant gold, typically peaking in the last week of September or first week of October (check Eastern Sierra fall color reports for current conditions). The light is warmer, the crowds thin after Labor Day, and the fishing picks up as water temperatures drop. If you have to choose one time to visit, this is it.
Late October through April: The road stays open, but snow can make the trail slippery or impassable on the south shore. The north shore is often walkable year-round. Winter visitors should bring traction devices (microspikes) and dress for cold.
What to Bring
This is a short, easy hike, so you don't need a full pack. But a few things make it better.
- Camera. Seriously. The reflections on a calm morning are extraordinary.
- Layers. At 7,850 feet, mornings are chilly even in summer. A light jacket handles the shade on the north shore.
- Water and a snack. One bottle is enough for the loop.
- Fishing gear. If you fish, bring a rod. California fishing license is required (available online or at sporting goods stores in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop).
- Dog leash. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. Pick up after your pet.
- Binoculars. Mountain goats are occasionally spotted on the cliffs above the lake, and raptors (red-tailed hawks, golden eagles) hunt the thermals.
Fishing at Convict Lake
Convict Lake is one of the better fishing spots in the Eastern Sierra. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it regularly with rainbow trout, and the lake holds resident brown trout and brook trout. Fish up to 5 pounds are caught here, though 10- to 14-inch rainbows are more typical.
Shore fishing works from the north and west sides of the lake. Fly fishers do well near the inlet in the early morning and evening. Boat fishing is popular too: the Convict Lake Resort rents small motorboats and rowboats (no private motorized boats). The lake is stocked from late April through October.
A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Day licenses run about $18 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. Buy one online before your trip to avoid the hassle.
Camping
Convict Lake Campground sits adjacent to the lake's outlet, a short walk from the trailhead. It has 85 sites ($24 per night), potable water, flush toilets, bear boxes, and fire rings. Sites are reservable through Recreation.gov and fill quickly for summer weekends and fall color season. The campground is open April through October, depending on snow.
The campground is well-positioned for early-morning photography. Roll out of your tent before sunrise, walk five minutes to the north shore, and catch the first light hitting Laurel Mountain and Morrison. Those calm-water reflection shots happen in the 20 minutes right around sunrise, so proximity matters.
Convict Lake Resort is located at the east end of the lake and offers cabins, a general store, and a restaurant. It's a solid option if you want a roof over your head without driving back to Mammoth Lakes.
Nearby Alternatives
If you finish the Convict Lake Loop and want more, several options are close by.
Convict Canyon: From the west end of the lake (near the inlet), a trail continues up Convict Canyon into the John Muir Wilderness. This becomes a real hike: 4 to 8 miles one way depending on your turnaround point, gaining 1,000 to 2,000 feet. The canyon is gorgeous, with waterfalls, meadows, and increasingly dramatic granite walls. A wilderness permit is required for overnight trips but not for day hikes.
McGee Creek Trail: About 8 miles south on US-395, the McGee Creek Trail heads west into another spectacular glacial canyon. The trail to McGee Creek Falls (about 5 miles round trip, 800 feet gain) is a moderate half-day option.
Hot Creek Geological Site: About 10 miles north near Mammoth Lakes, Hot Creek features geothermally heated pools along a creek. Swimming is prohibited (the water temperature can spike dangerously), but it's a fascinating geological stop.
Duck Pass Trail: About 10 miles north near Mammoth Lakes, the Duck Pass Trail is the right next step for Convict Lake visitors who want a full-day alpine lake experience. At 9.6 miles round trip climbing to 10,797 feet, it delivers significantly more terrain than the easy loop.
Hilton Lakes: In the Rock Creek drainage about 15 miles south, an 8-mile out-and-back to a chain of glacial lakes above 11,000 feet. Less visited than the Mammoth-area trails with excellent fishing.
Methuselah Trail: About 60 miles east in the White Mountains, a completely different kind of Inyo experience: walking among 4,000-year-old bristlecone pines at 10,000 feet elevation.
Practical Tips
Parking fills on fall weekends. During peak aspen color (late September, early October), the Convict Lake parking area gets packed, especially on Saturday mornings. Arrive before 8 AM for guaranteed parking. If the lot is full, there's overflow parking along the road, but it adds distance to the trailhead.
Wind can be strong. The Eastern Sierra is windy, and the canyon funnels air across the lake. Afternoon gusts are common. For calm-water photography, visit at sunrise or sunset.
Bear safety. Even at this relatively developed site, bears are active, particularly in the campground. Use bear boxes for all food and scented items. Never leave a cooler in your car with the windows down (or up, for that matter).
Altitude note. At 7,850 feet, even this easy hike can feel slightly harder than expected if you've just arrived from sea level. You probably won't experience altitude sickness at this elevation, but you might notice you're breathing harder than usual on the minor uphill sections. It's nothing to worry about, just something to be aware of.
Convict Lake is the kind of place that makes the Eastern Sierra special. You don't need to be a peak-bagger or an ultrarunner to appreciate it. A slow lap around the lake, with the peaks reflected in the water and aspens catching the light, is one of the best easy walks in the entire National Forest System.